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The School of Dentistry
Mississippi's only dental school welcomed its first class in 1975. The need and enthusiasm for comprehensive dental education and training in the state were apparent when over 500 applications came in for only 25 spots.
The School of Dentistry was authorized by the legislature in 1973, was accredited in 1975 and opened three months later. Dr. Norman C. Nelson, then the vice chancellor of UMMC, praised Dr. Wallace V. Mann, the dental school's first dean, for getting the program up and running in such a short period of time. The original School of Dentistry building was completed in 1977.
Dental Health Care History in Mississippi
The history of dental health care in Mississippi mirrors broader trends in American dental health while also reflecting the unique challenges and innovations shaped by the state’s social, economic, and geographic circumstances. In the 19th century, dental care in Mississippi was rudimentary, often performed by general physicians, barbers, or blacksmiths. Extractions were the primary solution for dental issues, as advanced techniques and materials were unavailable.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dentistry began to formalize as a profession, with practitioners establishing themselves in urban centers like Jackson, Meridian, and Vicksburg. Around this time, the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners was established to oversee the licensing of dentists. However, aspiring dental professionals from Mississippi often had to attend institutions outside the state, such as the University of Tennessee or the Southern Dental College in Atlanta, as Mississippi did not yet have its own dental school.
During the mid-20th century, public health initiatives began to address oral health needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Programs from the New Deal era and beyond introduced fluoride to water supplies, although this faced resistance in rural Mississippi due to infrastructure and cultural barriers. Segregation severely limited access to dental care for African Americans, who often relied on traveling dentists or self-taught practitioners.
A major milestone came in 1975, when UMMC’s School of Dentistry opened, providing in-state educational opportunities for aspiring dental professionals.
In the latter half of the 20th century, dental care in Mississippi underwent modernization. Federally Qualified Health Centers began offering dental services, especially in underserved communities, and technological advancements like improved anesthetics became more accessible. The expansion of Medicaid in the 1960s helped low-income residents gain access to dental care, but a lack of participating dentists remained a challenge. Public health outreach programs by the Mississippi Department of Health also played a crucial role in preventive care through initiatives like school-based screenings and sealant programs. The School of Dentistry at UMMC has played a key role in many of these initiatives.
The 21st century has brought continued challenges and innovations. Rural areas in Mississippi still face significant shortages of dentists, prompting efforts to incentivize practitioners to work in these communities through loan repayment programs and scholarships. Organizations like the Mississippi Dental Association have advocated for greater oral health awareness and funding for public health initiatives. Preventive care has been a key focus, with programs like fluoride varnish applications, mobile dental clinics, and community partnerships addressing issues like childhood dental decay. The UMMC School of Dentistry continues to be a leader in training dentists to serve patients from a wide range of backgrounds, incorporating advancements in digital dentistry and emphasizing equitable care.
Overall, the history of dental health care in Mississippi highlights progress amidst persistent challenges, including economic disparities, limited rural access, and the evolving role of public health. Efforts to expand equitable care, promote prevention, and strengthen the dental workforce remain central to improving oral health outcomes in the state.